Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| conseguir | /konseˈɡiɾ/ |
| conciliar | /konθiˈljaɾ/ /konsiˈljaɾ/ |
| granjear | /ɡɾanxeˈaɾ/ |
| asacar | /asakaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
While conseguir is the primary way to say 'to obtain', other verbs are used depending on the context. If you mean 'to receive', use recibir. If you mean 'to pick up' or collect something, use recoger. To express reaching or achieving something, use alcanzar. For specific abstract states such as sleep or harmony, the verb conciliar is used.
Which one should you use?
conseguir is used when the act of getting something involves effort, achievement or overcoming an obstacle. In contrast, obtener is a more formal synonym often used in professional or academic contexts, whereas conseguir is more common in daily speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive form conseguirse can be used to emphasize that one obtained something for oneself.
How do you pronounce it?
/konseˈɡiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use conseguir to mean 'to become' (for example, when trying to say 'to get angry'). In those cases, you must use ponerse or volverse instead.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb granjear means 'to get' in the sense of winning someone's favor or respect through your actions. It is closely related to the word granja, which means 'farm'.
- The English word 'consequence' and the Spanish verb conseguir both share a common ancestor in the Latin word for 'following' or 'pursuing'.
- The verb conciliar is also used in legal or political contexts to mean 'to reconcile'. This creates a linguistic link between 'getting sleep' and 'settling a dispute'.
Examples in context
- No pude conciliar el sueño.I couldn't get to sleep.This sentence shows how to use conciliar with sleep.Tatoeba #6611687 by arh, translation #36519 by CK
- Tenemos que conseguir ayuda.We've got to get help.This sentence demonstrates the use of conseguir for obtaining help.Tatoeba #4774663 by alegarvid, translation #3310180 by CK
- Puedo conseguirte a un doctor.I can get a doctor for you.This sentence illustrates using conseguir to mean getting someone (a doctor) for another person.Tatoeba #2300765 by marcelostockle, translation #2300710 by CK
- Me gustaría conseguir el informe lo antes posible.I would like to get the report as soon as possible.
- Es necesario obtener permisos antes de iniciar el proyecto.It is necessary to get permissions before starting the project.
- Voy a adquirir un nuevo libro de español.I am going to get a new Spanish book.
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir unas entradas para el concierto?Where can I get tickets for the concert?
- Voy a pillar algo de comer antes de salir.I'm going to get something to eat before leaving.
- Voy a recibir un regalo sorpresa.I'm going to get a surprise gift.
- No puedo alcanzar el libro en la estantería alta. ¿Me lo puedes dar?I can't get the book on the high shelf. Can you get it for me?
- Voy a recoger mi boleto en la taquilla.I'm going to get my ticket at the box office.
- 155 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about a new job.
- ElenaVoy a intentar conseguir el empleo.I am going to try to get the job.
- MateoTú puedes conseguirlo, Elena.You can get it, Elena.
- Elena¿Crees que sea difícil conseguirlo?Do you think it will be hard to get?
- MateoNo, tienes mucha experiencia.No, you have a lot of experience.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get” translations and entries conseguir, conciliar, granjear, asacar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conciliar, conseguir, granjear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
